mgb20, Reading your post was like reading my story - 5 years ago (3/18) I, too, had a blockage in my small intestine (after 11 years of the medical community trying to figure out what was going on with me). I had emergency surgery to remove the Neuroendocrine tumor that was causing the problem plus multiple smaller tumors, resulting in the loss of 10” of the intestine. Then in July 2019 I had a blockage in my large intestine and lost 11” (plus the surgeon removed my appendix as a preventive measure). So, I’ve definitely been down the “how to recover from bowel resection surgery road”. It’s challenging but far from impossible.
I found an excellent soft diet to follow on the Cleveland Clinic website that worked so well for me that I shared it with the cancer center where I receive treatment. There are multiple diets you can find online (Mayo, oregonsurgical.com, even Web MD). The important thing is to find one that you like, will follow, and works for you. As you start to recover, start walking. It doesn’t have to be far but it’s important to start your system working again. Imodium then and still is my best friend (if I need it). I started Octreotide LAR injections a month after the first surgery (and am still on them in addition to doing PRRT at Mayo in 2021). They are designed to help control the diarrhea.
So, a soft diet for a few weeks before starting to slowly reintroduce other foods, walking (I started in the hospital), and whatever stress reduction techniques work for you, and you’ll be okay . Be patient and take care.